CG Smile performs root canal treatments in Miami. Call today for information on root canals and porcelain crown placements.
When a dentist says that you will need a root canal treatment, your first thought will likely be that you’re in for a painful procedure. But, in reality, root canal treatments are all about finding relief from pain and saving a tooth from disease.
At CG Smile, we perform root canal treatments for Miami patients that are looking to save a tooth ravaged by decay or one that has suffered dental trauma.
Root canal therapy (or “root canal treatment”) is often erroneously referred to as simply a “root canal.” But, “root canal” is actually a term that refers to a specific part of a tooth’s anatomy. The part of the tooth known as the root canal includes several parts of the tooth, including the pulp chamber, nerves, and blood vessels. When a root canal therapy is performed, these decayed tissues are removed and replaced with a dental filler. In most cases, a dental restoration is also recommended. (A root canal treatment without a restoration placed is known as a pulpectomy.)
Only through an evaluation with a dentist or endodontist will you know for sure whether root canal therapy is necessary. That being said, there are some signs you should look out for that may indicate an inner tooth infection (pulpitis).
Schedule a visit with your dentist if you notice:
There are actually two forms of infections involving the pulp chamber of the tooth: reversible and irreversible pulpitis. In reversible pulpitis, the dentist can usually treat the tooth without the need for a full root canal treatment. With irreversible pulpitis, the only treatment that will bring the infection under control is root canal treatment.
There are multiple steps to a root canal treatment. Depending on your treatment path, your own experience may vary compared to the descriptions listed below.
Since only a local anesthetic is used, a designated driver is not necessary. The first thing you will notice following the procedure is that there will be some lingering numbness. Therefore, you should wait to eat until all the feeling has returned to your tongue and mouth. This is to help protect against accidentally biting the tongue.
You may notice some inflammation around the tooth for the next few days. An over-the-counter NSAID such as Aspirin or Motrin® may be used to counter any residual pain or discomfort.
It’s important to remember that until you have a restoration performed, the tooth will not be as strong as it once was. Therefore, try to chew only on the side of the mouth opposite of where your tooth canal was performed.
Are you concerned about lingering tooth pain? Has it been a while since your last checkup? Call CG Smile in Miami for a consultation, today!
There are many factors that will influence the cost of a root canal treatment. Most dental insurance plans cover a large percentage of treatment costs, which will reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. Root canal treatments are seen as a less-expensive alternative to extracting a tooth and replacing it with a bridge or dental implant.
Yes and no. While you could extract the tooth and replace it with a bridge or implant, the one thing you shouldn’t do is ignore the situation altogether and hope that it heals on its own. When pulpitis goes untreated, it can turn into an abscess which can put your whole health and life at risk. Therefore, it’s best to trust the expertise of your doctor and follow through with the recommended course of treatment — it might just save your life!
To many patients, the words used to describe a pulpotomy, pulpectomy, and “root canal” all sound the same. But, in fact, there are some major differences that set these procedures apart from one another.
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